Death of Mr. Emsley Stegall.

There was a great gloom cast over Emerson and neighborhood, and Bartow county, when the news was current that Mr. Emsley Stegall (Uncle Emsley) as he was better known by his neighbors and closer friends, was dead.

He was one of the county’s best known citizens and had many friends.

His death occurred at his home near Emerson on last Sunday morning, the 25th inst., the cause being Bright’s disease together with old age.  He had been stricken several weeks, and his relatives and friends attracted to his bedside, did all they could in the hope that he would rally and be spared several more years of life.

He was born in Greenville district, South Carolina, on January 7th, 1816, and was consequently in his 73d year.  He moved to Bartow county in 1839, where he resided up to the time of his death.  He joined the Methodist church, placing his membership at Stegall’s chapel in 1857, and proved a consistent member of the same for thirty one years, up to his death.

Stegall’s Station was named for him, and, it is said, he was rather displeased when the name was changed to Emerson.

Mr. Stegall was noted for his great physical powers, his firmness in whatever he believed to be right, his loyalty to his friends, and his benevolent nature.  Many are the persons that can testify feelingly to his charitable deeds and the help rendered in many ways to the needy.

He leaves considerable property, the accumulations of honest industry.

A sorrowing wife and two sons, Messrs. John P. and Robert Stegall, survive him.  These and his several grandchildren were about his bedside, and watched affectionately during his last hours.

His funeral took place from the church at Emerson on Monday, the exercises being conducted by Rev. H. J. Adams from the 15th verse of the 49th Psalm: “But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave; for He shall receive me.”  The attendance was among the largest ever seen at a funeral in Bartow county, many friends from different points being present.